Receive Justice For The Uber And Lyft Accident Injuries You Sustained
With the universal use of handheld technology (smartphones), it has created new industries that exist right at our fingertips like ridesharing. Uber and Lyft have both grown rapidly. Instead of hailing a taxicab or renting a car, an app in the palm of your hand will deliver a car and driver wherever you need.
While these concepts are amazing tools, Uber and Lyft accidents occur every day in Ohio. These accidents can be surprisingly confusing, and many victims are confused about what to do next. Victims will often encounter the driver denying any wrongdoing and insurance companies refusing to accept liability for their drivers.
The victim is then forced to deal with this confusion and frustration all while having to treat at hospitals and other facilities for potential life-changing injuries they sustained as a result of other driver’s negligent conduct; injuries such as broken and fractured bones, whiplash, concussions, torn muscles, and even death. These injuries will undoubtedly lead to more emotional and financial stress, confusion, and trauma.
At Karp Steiger, our experienced attorneys have a deep understanding of the legal issues involved in Uber and Lyft accident cases. We can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a risk-free consultation. Our attorneys are here to help you every step of the way.
Why Do I Need An Uber And Lyft Accidents Attorney In Ohio?
Consider these compelling reasons to engage our skilled Uber and Lyft accidents attorney for your rideshare accident claims:
Thorough Investigations: The success of your personal injury claim or lawsuit relies on the thoroughness of your investigations. It’s crucial to have a wealth of information that can support your case when presenting your claims to the insurance company. Our personal injury attorney is adept at gathering the necessary information to ensure your success.
Sound Legal Counsel: Pursuing insurance claims can be a daunting task, as it often involves navigating a complex and intricate legal process. Even the smallest mistakes can have detrimental effects on your case, especially if you have little or no legal background.
To avoid such mistakes, it’s essential to seek the guidance of our Uber and Lyft accidents attorney who can advise and guide you through the proper steps to take. With our experience, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with care and precision, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Correct Documentation And Paperwork: Our personal injury lawyer has extensive experience in the preparation and filing of such sensitive documents. With our knowledge, you can be confident that all necessary paperwork will be filed accurately and on time, making your case more likely to succeed.
Insurance Company Negotiation: Insurance claims also involve a negotiation process, where the insurance company’s experienced attorneys will work to negotiate the damages with you. Without proper representation, you may be at a disadvantage in these negotiations.
However, by hiring our legal team, you can level the playing field and ensure that your rights and interests are protected. We are skilled in negotiations and will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Quality Legal Representation: Personal injury claims can sometimes be unsuccessful due to various reasons. The insurance company may deny your claim entirely or refuse to pay you the compensation you are owed. In these situations, seeking redress in court may be necessary. If you decide to pursue legal action, we can offer you high-quality legal representation.
With our experience and resources, our Uber and Lyft accidents attorney will work tirelessly to advocate for your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Is A Ridesharing Accident?
A ridesharing accident is a type of accident that involves a vehicle being used for ridesharing services, such as Uber or Lyft. These accidents can occur when a driver of a ridesharing vehicle is transporting passengers, on the way to pick up passengers, or driving the vehicle for personal reasons outside of ridesharing.
How Do Lyft And Uber Accident Injury Cases Differ From Other Car Accident Cases?
The Insurance Policies Of Uber And Lyft: If you were injured by a rideshare driver, filing an insurance claim can be a complex process. Whether or not Lyft or Uber’s insurance policy will apply depends on the specific circumstances of the accident.
The rideshare companies provide supplemental liability insurance coverage to drivers when the app is on, and this coverage has been updated over the years based on legal cases. When the driver is not working for Lyft or Uber, they are covered by their personal insurance policy.
When the app is on but the driver is not carrying a passenger, a lower level of liability coverage for accidents is in effect, known as the “available or waiting for a ride request” period. Once the driver is on their way to pick up a passenger, a $1 million third-party liability coverage kicks in.
When you are in the vehicle as a passenger, Uber’s insurance policy provides up to $1 million in coverage for bodily injuries and property damage caused by another party. If the rideshare driver is deemed to be at fault, contingent collision and comprehensive coverage may cover the vehicle owner, subject to a deductible.
It is important to seek the guidance of our versed Uber and Lyft accidents attorney to navigate these complex insurance policies and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Determining Fault: Determining fault is a crucial issue in car accident injury cases. In rideshare accidents, however, it can be even more complicated, particularly in accidents involving multiple parties.
While most car accidents involve two parties, the victim and the at-fault driver, in rideshare accidents, you’re dealing with at least three: the victim, the rideshare driver, and the rideshare company. If you were an Uber passenger injured by another motorist, there may be another party involved.
Injuries Caused In Ohio Uber Or Lyft Accidents
When involved in a rideshare accident, you may suffer severe injuries such as:
- Bone fractures
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death
These types of injuries can make it difficult to navigate the claims process with rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft. However, our skilled personal injury lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve. Please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team to schedule a risk-free consultation.
What Are The Different Types Of Uber And Lyft Accidents?
Karp Steiger, has a team of personal injury lawyers with knowledge in dealing with all types of car accidents, including those involving Uber and Lyft. Such accidents occur due to the same reasons as car accidents and may happen in similar ways.
The responsibility for the accident may fall on the Uber or Lyft driver or another driver. Common examples of Uber and Lyft accidents include:
- Head-on collisions
- Broadside crashes
- Rear-end accidents
- Intersection collisions
- Single-vehicle crashes
- Multi-vehicle collisions
Our Uber and Lyft accidents attorney represents various individuals involved in such accidents, including passengers, other vehicle occupants, rideshare drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Ridesharing Accidents?
Common causes of accidents involving Uber and Lyft include:
Exhausted Driving: Rideshare drivers sometimes work for Uber or Lyft after a full day’s work at another job. This can make them tired while driving passengers, which may lead to accidents.
Reckless Driving: An individual driving for Uber or Lyft may decide not to halt at a stop sign, break a red light, neglect to give way, or disregard any other traffic regulation.
Aggressive Driving: An Uber or Lyft driver may engage in sudden lane changes, tailgate other cars, or drive too fast to increase their earnings and reach the destination faster.
Older Drivers: The capacity of senior Uber and Lyft drivers to operate a vehicle safely can be limited due to age-related physical and cognitive decline.
Poorly Maintained Uber And Lyft Vehicles: Because rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors and not employees of Uber or Lyft, they are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. Unfortunately, some drivers may neglect regular maintenance and drive with faulty parts, such as brakes or tires.
Road Hazards: The risk of causing an accident can increase for an Uber or Lyft driver due to various road hazards such as uneven pavement, potholes, lack of road signs, and other obstacles.
Construction Zones: Ohio sees frequent construction work on its roads, which can be hazardous for Uber or Lyft drivers who may not be aware of the reduced speed limits in work zones. As a result, accidents can occur.
If you were hurt as a result of any of the actions listed above while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, reach out to our qualified Uber and Lyft accidents attorney Beachwood OH immediately.
What To Do Following An Uber Or Lyft Accident In Ohio?
If you are involved in an accident while using Uber or Lyft, it’s important to stay calm and take specific steps to ensure your safety and protect yourself from any legal issues.
Get Medical Care Immediately: It’s important to seek medical attention even if you don’t feel injured after an accident, as some injuries may not show immediate symptoms.
Call The Authorities: It’s important to report your Uber or Lyft accident to the police so that a formal report can be filed. This report can be useful if you decide to pursue legal action.
Document The Accident Scene: It is important to take pictures of the accident scene, including the Uber or Lyft vehicle and any other vehicles involved. Also, make sure to get the contact information of the rideshare driver. These details can be helpful if you decide to pursue legal action.
Inform Uber Or Lyft About The Accident: Immediately inform Uber or Lyft about the accident that has taken place.
Do Not Speak To Insurance Companies About The Accident: It’s important to avoid discussing the accident or your injuries with an insurance adjuster. The reason is, anything you say can be used against you.
Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer: Because accidents involving rideshare services are often more complicated than traditional car accidents, it is important to seek legal advice from our versed Uber and Lyft accidents attorney. We can assist you in determining who is at fault for the accident and speak to insurance companies on your behalf.
Our legal team can also help you obtain compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses resulting from the accident.
Who Can Be Liable For My Ohio Rideshare Accident Injuries?
Rideshare accidents can cause severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and psychological distress. These injuries can be emotionally and financially devastating, especially during the recovery process. Holding the responsible party accountable for the accident can alleviate some of the financial burdens.
However, to do so, you must meet specific requirements, such as providing evidence of the following conditions:
Duty Of Care: The term “duty of care” refers to the legal responsibility one has to ensure the safety of others. For instance, every driver has a duty of care to use the road in a way that does not endanger other people’s lives. They fulfill this duty of care by following all the safety rules and regulations.
Therefore, the person who caused the accident by breaking traffic laws is considered negligent and is responsible for any damages resulting from the accident.
Breach Of Duty: Simply having a duty of care towards another driver does not automatically make one responsible for any injuries sustained in an accident. It is also necessary to prove that the responsible party failed to fulfill this duty of care. For instance, a breach of the duty of care would occur if the at-fault driver was following too closely (tailgating).
Causation: If a driver breaches their duty of care, it does not automatically make them responsible for any damages. To hold them liable, you must prove that their breach directly caused your injuries or property damage, and not some other factor.
Damages: To receive compensation for damages after an accident, you need to demonstrate that you have suffered measurable losses as a result of the incident. Failure to prove such damages could result in you receiving no compensation at all. Demonstrating that you suffered bodily harm as a result of the accident is one way to meet this requirement.
If the driver was working for Uber at the time, you can typically rely on third-party liability insurance to cover your damages.
Whose Insurance Company Do I File A Claim With?
When you get involved in a rideshare accident, you might wonder who to file your claim against. Typically, you would file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. But when it’s a rideshare driver who is at fault, the situation becomes more complicated.
You may be unsure whether to file a claim with the driver’s insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance. The answer depends on the timing of the accident.
Insurance Policies Of Uber
To work as an Uber driver, a person must have car insurance. However, Uber also provides third-party liability coverage. The type of insurance coverage that applies in the event of an accident depends on the driving period.
- If the driver is not online, their insurance covers the accident.
- If the driver is online but waiting for a ride request and causes an accident, and their insurance doesn’t apply, Uber has third-party coverage.
- If the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or already driving them, Uber maintains third-party liability insurance.
If you have been injured in an Uber accident our attorneys understand the law, insurance and can diligently guide you through the process. We are here for you.
Insurance Policies Of Lyft
Lyft maintains liability insurance that is similar to Uber’s coverage. However, whether Lyft’s insurance applies depends on the drive period just like Uber’s. When a Lyft driver causes an accident, their insurance applies if they are not using the app.
When a Lyft driver is logged onto the app and waiting for a ride request, but their insurance doesn’t cover an accident they cause, Lyft has the following third-party liability coverage:
If the driver is en route to pick up passengers or is transporting them to their destination, any damages or injuries caused by an accident are covered by Lyft’s insurance policy.
If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and another driver causes an accident, you should file a claim with that driver’s insurance. However, there are cases where the other driver may not have insurance or their policy may not provide adequate coverage for the damages.
In such situations, both Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists (UM or UIM).
What Is Ohio’s Comparative Negligence Law?
Ohio follows a “modified comparative negligence” model, which means that the claimant can still pursue compensation for damages as long as their share of fault is less than 51 percent. In simpler terms, the injured person can still file a personal injury lawsuit as long as they were not more responsible for the accident than the other party.
The compensation you receive is also reduced by how much of the accident was your fault. If you were awarded $100,000, but it was found that you were 20% at fault, then you would only receive $80,000.
Rideshare Accident Liability
When someone else causes an accident, they should be liable for the resulting injuries, and this includes rideshare drivers and companies. The insurance process can be complicated following this type of crash, as you might need to file a claim against one or more of the following:
- The individual ride-share driver’s insurance
- Uber or Lyft’s corporate insurance
- A third-party driver’s insurance
Our law firm determines which claims must be filed and pursues each one for maximum compensation. Insurance companies know that injured claimants are often anxious to receive compensation. They make low offers early in the process, hoping accident victims will accept less money than they deserve without consulting with an attorney.
Never accept any insurance settlements without the advice of an experienced rideshare accident lawyer. We can identify when an offer is inadequate and use our resources and experience to negotiate for the full amount to cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost earnings
- Pain and suffering
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, either as a rideshare passenger or while driving your vehicle, you should seek medical treatment and then legal help as soon as possible.
What Is Ohio’s Rideshare Accident Injury Claims Statute Of Limitations?
In Ohio, there is a firm deadline of two years to file a claim for a rideshare accident, regardless of whether you were the rideshare driver, a passenger, or a third party such as a motorist or pedestrian. The two-year countdown starts from the date of the accident.
If you fail to file a claim within this timeframe, you will most likely not be able to do so once the statute of limitations has expired.
An Ohio Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Karp Steiger, our team of experienced automobile accident attorneys can minimize victim confusion and help ease the stress and burden of dealing with automobile accidents involving ridesharing with Uber and Lyft.
Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding these accidents that occurred while entrusting your safety to companies like Uber and Lyft, gather evidence, and take an aggressive stance in dealing with insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
We are able and willing to pursue all legal avenues to ensure our clients get the case outcome they want and deserve. Our Beachwood law firm can also assist you with Car Accidents, Truck Accidents, Dog Bites and Animal Attacks, Slip and Fall, Nursing Home Abuse, and Sex Abuse.
Call our office today for a risk-free consultation if you or a loved one were injured as a result of an Uber or Lyft rideshare accident.